If you like this, try…
Wines like Beaujolais
Light, juicy Gamay, often made by carbonic maceration — the archetypal chillable red. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Beaujolais?
Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.
What these words mean
- The bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- The rich dark fruit
- Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
- How light it is
- A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- How fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- That it is not too strong
- Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
Looking for something keeping how light and easy it feels, while moving away from too floral or soapy and too soft or too easy.
Based on what you said
Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as soft or too easy as the wine you started from.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as soft or too easy as the wine you started from.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
Poulsard
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
English still Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
Similar but lower in alcohol
Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.
English still Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
Chianti
Chianti scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Molinara
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Mourvèdre
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Rondo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Egri Bikavér
Egri Bikavér scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Pinotage
Pinotage scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Gamay
Both are made from gamay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cru Beaujolais
curatedThe same grape and region, from the ten named granite hills.
Expect: More structure, darker fruit and real ageing capacity.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Langhe Nebbiolo scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dão
Dão scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less floral.
Chianti
Chianti scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Poulsard
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Areni
Areni scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cru Beaujolais
curatedThe same grape and region, from the ten named granite hills.
Expect: More structure, darker fruit and real ageing capacity.
Gamay
Both are made from gamay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cru Beaujolais
curatedThe same grape and region, from the ten named granite hills.
Expect: More structure, darker fruit and real ageing capacity.
Gamay
Both are made from gamay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Change the mood
Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.
A safe next step
Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.
Chianti
Chianti scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Red Bordeaux
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
A better-value alternative
Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Cru Beaujolais
curatedThe same grape and region, from the ten named granite hills.
Expect: More structure, darker fruit and real ageing capacity.
Chianti
Chianti scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Red Bordeaux
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.